noun

investiture

in-VES-tih-cher/ɪnˈvestɪtʃər/

The formal granting of an office or authority to someone.

At her investiture, the new officeholder receives a ceremonial gold chain.

A formal civic investiture: an officiant ceremonially places a substantial gold chain of office around a new officeholder’s shoulders as she stands solemnly on a low dais.

Etymology

inLatinin, into

+vestLatinto clothe

+itureLatinaction or result

The clothing root points to a ceremony of dressing someone in the insignia of office. That ceremonial clothing expressed the conferral of rank or authority, which remains the central meaning of investiture.

In context

V. Birchwood10:30

her 25th anniversary of her investiture to the Supreme Court.

500 Years of Lace History ft. Elena Kanagy-Loux

More examples

The judge's investiture takes place at the courthouse.
Her investiture as university president marks the start of her term.
The charter requires a formal investiture before the governor assumes authority.

Forms

investiture · investitures

invest verb — To formally grant someone authority or rank.

Similar words

installation: Focuses on formally placing someone in a particular office.
inauguration: Emphasizes the ceremonial beginning of a term in office.